Legislators Try to Block Stadium Tax Credits

Kansas City, MO – Two rural Missouri legislators are trying to head off the $50 million in state tax credits designed to subsidize stadium improvements at Kauffman and Arrowhead. Senator Frank Barnitz and Representative Wes Shoemeyer accuse Governor Blunt and his faithful circumventing the legislature, sending the plan direct to the Missouri Development Finance Board.

Senator Barnitz:The voters have said time and time again through the legislature that they did not sports stadiums receiving financial aid.

Governor's spokesman Spence Jackson says it wasn't a Blunt conspiracy and the two Democrats are off base.

Jackson:He supports it but it isn't something that he put forward or tried to circumvent the legislature in any way. it's unfortunate that Senator Barnitz and Representative Shoemeyer seem to be on the side of having the Royals play in Overland Park and having the Chiefs play in Los Angeles or someplace.

Barnitz and Shoemeyer are urging voters who object to the tax abatement to phone or e-mail Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, who is on the decision-making board. Jackson says the calls won't make any difference because the tax break is a good investment for Missouri.